So, we don't need a permit, we can go in anywhere, anytime and stay as long or short as we'd like? Is there any checking in anywhere or anything? Anything to watch out for?

Thanks!
~M

Just fill out the self-service issue permit at your entry point. They're usually in a wood box by the landing.

Let people know where you are going (EP & route) and when you plan on coming out.

Wear orange.

quote old_salt: "Wear orange."

+1

quote shock: "Just fill out the self-service issue permit at your entry point , there usually in a wood box by the landing"

Correct! It's a good idea to grab a self issue permit from a Ranger Station if you go by one (they have them outside so you can get one if they are not open) on your way to the EP in case the box is out of them. I've seen that a couple of times. We always have a supply in our glovebox.

Most entry points have a box by the sign at the landing but some entry points like Lizz for example have the box along the first portage (the Lizz one is halfway between Poplar and Lizz).

Here's a pic of the box at Cross Bay EP.

Bring extra lighting as the days are very short, and wear wool.

Beware, I trick or treated campsites last Halloween and biting into the candy I found I was given real mooseplums. Glad I didn't step in them.

quote nctry: "Beware, I trick or treated campsites last Halloween and biting into the candy I found I was given real mooseplums. Glad I didn't step in them."

HA! Good one ;-)

quote Jaywalker: "Bring extra lighting as the days are very short, and wear wool. "

I just came back. That early darkness but more importantly the late sunrise will take some getting used to. The weather is supposed to be good this week. I had great weather got a little sun burn. I went from Mudro to Crooked and back down through Fourtown Lake. I saw 5 groups during the entire trip.

Be prepared for any type weather, and winds can change fast up there, always wear your life jacket, even have a backup plan for wind.

Bring fishing gear! The fishing can be fantastic in October. The fish can be bigger and fatter and hungrier. It can also suck, so don't rely on fish feeding you.

Prepare for cold nights regardless of daytime temp. Also get to camp earlier to find wood as days are shorter and lookingfor wood in the dark is never fun. I got back from a trip the 9th. It was nice. You'll be there I peak color. Should look beautiful out there. Have fun. Fishing was fantastic.

In October I usually wear waterproof boots to get in and out of the canoe.

More insulation or lots of layers as they say is a must as the cold with the wind can be brutal at times. Last year while sitting around camp during the rain I remember wearing a long underwear base, a wool heavy weight top, light weight down coat and the rain jacket when it became windier. I remember thinking "thank god I brought the wool top" as it's on the heavier side and I had thought of leaving it home to cut weight.

Good fire starting material (Vaseline and cotton balls for me) will help save the day. Along with a knife to baton wood or a hatchet if you carry one. Split wood burns a lot better especially if it has rained a bit before your getting there.

I prefer heavier weight pants as the quick dry are too light at this time of year.

Backup batteries and headlamps as you will want lots of light in camp especially if it's overcast and there's no moon.

A wool watchman's cap for sleeping.

Me packing for the trip:
"I always get so hot when I sleep, my 55º bag should be fine for late October!"

Me trying to sleep during the trip:
"Well, I am now wearing every piece of clothing I brought and am still cold"

DON'T DO THAT!

Also, bring a jacket with loft or down. During that same trip I thought I wouldn't need the down liner of my jacket so I took it out to "save weight". What a terrible decision that was.

Other than that, bring spare headlamp batteries, maybe a camp lamp you can set down to help with food prep at night, etc. Bring books. Bring cards. It will shock you how little light you get if you are used to summer trips.

one tip for cold nights is pull a rock away from the fire pit to let it cool then wrap in a towel and bring into your tent , set by your feet for extra warmth , be careful on the temp of the rock ;)

Repeating for emphasis, the days are short, the nights are long. Weather can be tricky so be flexible and bring more layers than you would usually plan.
Traveling north or south very far can put us in different climatic zones. As seasons change our bodies adjust but traveling during seasonal change can result in a sudden shift. Kinda like that March day when it is 50 and you go out in a t shirt but mid summer you would want a jacket if it dropped to 50. Pack accordingly.